Rafael Nadal has revealed that he is treating his participation in the 2024 Barcelona Open as his final appearance at the event, adding that this will most likely be his last year of tennis.
The 22-time major winner hailed playing in Barcelona as a “gift,” but he did not rule out participating after 2024, saying, “I don’t know what will happen in the future.”
Nadal has delighted tennis fans by announcing his comeback to action in this week’s Barcelona Open, which he has won a record 12 times.
The Spaniard has been unable to compete since January, when he returned after a year off due to injury in Brisbane, due to ongoing physical concerns.
The 37-year-old was forced to withdraw from the 2024 Australian Open, Doha and Indian Wells tournaments, and last week’s Monte Carlo Masters.
“I consider this my final participation in the Godo [competition]. I’m not sure what will happen in the future, but I’m going to attempt to give myself the best shot. The week of training has been excellent, and I am leaving with the intention of giving my best.”
Nadal, who is playing his first clay-court competition since winning the 2022 French Open over two years ago, also spoke about how he has been feeling in training.
“I’ve enjoyed training. These moments make up for others that are not as good. I am excited to keep playing. I understand that I am in a difficult situation, but this is a normal part of being an athlete. “You have to take it as such,” said the Mallorcan.
On Tuesday, Nadal will face Flavio Cobolli, the world number 62, in the first round in Barcelona. This will be his first match at the ATP 500, where the centre court is named after him, since 2021.
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